Nutty O - Mustard Seed Album Review

This is one album I have been anticipating for more than four years. Since Nutty O came onto the scene years back have been a huge fan of his talent, all those who follow this blog know that. Each year he has been growing in leaps and bounds and last year I felt he had fully matured, his mega hit Safe won my track of the year at the inaugural Proud Zimbo Music Awards 2020.

When it was announced that an album was in the works I became hyped, now the project is finally out and have definitely rushed to stream the project and today will be sharing with you my thoughts and views on the album.

As usual will be doing a track by track review.

1. Open Doors

The first track on the album is a prayer, Nutty O is asking the Lord to open doors for him in his hustles, he needs mercy and blessings so he can provide for those who depend on him. Production is done well, the instrumental utilised the lovely Changes  riddim. Mac Dee did the things with the keyboard, overall production is superb. Nutty O was solid on the vocals. 

2. Ndiwe (ft Dermaco)

This is a collaboration most will be excited about. The artists blended well, they are both known for their unique styles which they managed to marry well on this track. They were singing about that one person you have given full permission to your heart, they can do whatever, you have dedicated yourself to them. Production is done well, DJ Tamuka delivering the magic. 

3. Safe

This single was released last year and it caused major chaos all over the streets. Its the song that signalled the maturity of Nutty O. Given the current Covid era where most we can't physically see our loved ones this track is about asking if they are safe where they are and wishing them all the best. Production is done superbly well, love the Tracy Chapman sample. Listened to this song countless times last year and it's still sounding good, definitely a classic. 

4. Peter Pan (Chenesai Nzira) 

On this jam Nutty O is saying Lord clear my path for there are many who look up to him and when he makes it he will inspire many. Love the production of this one, love the hardcore vibe of the instrumental. Nutty O was also in point on the vocals. 

5. Kokorigo

Nutty O is looking for someone to love on this track, he needs one to call his. Production is well done, DJ Tamuka delivers once again, love the overall feel of the track. Nutty O was equally on par on the vocals, JP also provided some backing vocals. 

6. Be My Girl (ft Kae Chaps)

This is track a guy sings when they have found the girl he loves and want for the rest of his life. That girl which you can do anything for. Production is done very well, love the slow bouncy rhythm. Vocally the two artists were solid and complemented each other well, 

7. Shoulder

Nutty O continues on a live tip onto this track where he is praising his lady, saying I love how you look, and no man can ever live you as I do. I can be your shoulder. Production is done well, Nutty O was solid on the vocals. 

8. Finesse

On this track is praising the lady that making him go crazy that she that Finesse touch, the way she dances has that magic, she deserves the best spot in his life. Production is well done, arrangement is solid. Nutty O was also on par on the vocals. 

9. Ready (ft ExQ)

Nutty O teams up with Mr Putiti on this afro jam. They are saying am ready to come where you are, am ready to give you everything. The production is done very well, the arrangement is spot on. The collaboration between the two artists worked quite well.

10. Kungfu

On this track Nutty O is am the Don Gorgon, am taking music to the world, giving you the best music out there. JMP did a solid job on the production. 

11. Reverse

This afro beat house fusion promises to be a dance floor favourite of many. DJ Tamuka did a solid job on the production, the track just flows so well. Nutty O was good on the vocals, but the instrumental steals the show. 

12. Success (ft Stoneboy)

Many already believe Nutty O is among Africa's finest and its fitting he teams up with someone already regarded as the best on the continent. The collaboration works, Nutty O was solid on the vocals and Stoneboy delivered a performance fitting of his title. On this track they are singing about success, putting in the work and taking the money. Production is done well

13. Trouble In The City

Love that Potato man sample at the start. Production of this track is spot on, love the overall feel and vibe, the reggae feel is spot on. Nutty O is saying there is now trouble in the city, will be working overtime and giving you the best vibes as am going for the price (Taking Over). 

14. Handipere Power

On this track Nutty O is saying I will not tire, will continue doing what am good at in the face of detractors. Production is well done well and Nutty O was good on the vocals. 

Stream The Album: Mustard Seed

So that's it for Nutty O's much awaited debut project Mustard Seed. Nutty O delivered a solid project, definitely matching the hype and expectations that surrounded this project. 

Production is superbly done throughout the project. Nutty O worked with producers who understand his style and its showing all over the album. They sampled when necessary: Changes Riddim on Open Doors, Mapurisa Potato's part on Trouble in the City and Tracy Chapman's Fast Cars on the superb Safe. All the producers did a solid job, they all delivered different sounds but all managed to work to the strengths of Nutty O. This project is a testament of an artist who took his time, found a sound that is working with him and worked with those who understand his vision. Whenever Angeo Pablo & DJ Tamuka come together it's explosive, they worked together on Ndiwe, Safe, Finesse, Trouble In The City, Handipere Power & Success... What a producer combo. 

On themes Nutty O majored most on Love & Relationship themes, which is sort of a departure as he did not major on love themes a lot judging by his past tracks. Besides the love tracks he also delivered a solid prayers on Open Doors & Peter Pan and then was showcasing and highlighting his work ethic on tracks such as Trouble in the City, Handipere Power and Success. The themes are tackled well. 

In the vocal department, Nutty O was solid throughout delivering his usual energetic performance. He also took his time to select appropriate collaborations; Dermaco and Kae Chaps were solid on their verses, Stoneboy was on steroids on his verse and ExQ was good on his verse. 

To conclude this is an impressive project, much was expected from Nutty O and he delivered a project that will please his fans. Nutty O has always been talking about putting Zim music to the world, he even sang about it on Kungfu and this is definitely a sound that as Zimbos we can easily recommend to music fans from all over Africa. I recommend this project to anyone looking for some good music. This is the best Dancehall project of 2021, I doubt we'll get a better project in the genre this year and it also gives JP's Gwara a run for its money for the project of the year. Love basically all tracks on this album, but if am to chose a current favourite would chose Handipere Power, but Open Doors, Safe & Success are also very closeby. 

My Overall Rating is 9/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album down below.

Proud _Zimbo